2013 Atlanta Falcons Potential Draft Pick Profile: DT Stefan Charles

University of Regina defensive tackle Stefan Charles hopes to follow in former teammate Akiem Hicks' shoes and play in the NFL. However, Charles wants to play for Hicks' biggest rival—the Atlanta Falcons after growing up as a Falcons fan.

So while the Regina graduate may not be a player the Falcons have been interested in yet, he's definitely someone who is interested in playing for the Falcons. Let's explore what the Canadian football player can offer to Atlanta:

Stefan Charles has great size and strength, and he uses it to his advantage quite a bit on smaller and weaker competition. He's also got an excellent first step for a man his size. He flows to the ball well and can line up at 1-technique nose tackle or 3-technique defensive tackle.

He's got good quickness for a man his size and understands run game concepts and how to beat zone blocking. Charles' also a solid wrap up tackler who makes sure he doesn't miss his man. He can also bust through a line quickly off the snap in pass rush.

Weaknesses

Despite good size and quickness, Charles is still very raw as a football player due to playing in Canada. He's also someone who is used to playing against really terrible competition and will have to adjust in a jump similar to American D-III level to the pro game.

His physical talents give defensive coaches someone to work with, but the questionable technique he shows will have to be vastly improved upon. He will have to learn quite a few more pass rushing moves and show better pursuit to the ball.

Stefan Charles hasn't been arrested or suspended. He's had some injury issues but outside of that, he looks like the kind of player that Atlanta would want in the clubhouse. Reading this interview, it makes it hard not to like Charles as a fit for the Falcons. He's the hard working, intelligent personality who fits exactly what the Comrade wants.

Overview

Charles isn't going to come in and instantly start. He may never start a game for the Falcons. However, he could end up as a great rotation player and big body off the bench that is needed for 3-4 sets. If the Falcons do decide to go to a full time 3-4, he could be a good rotational nose tackle with his size, strength and quickness.

How he would fit into the Falcons' plans

The former Regina Ram would be a great fit as a seventh-round flyer like Vance Walker or Travian Robertson were. He could eventually be part of a 3-4 defensive line set that would feature him in the middle, Robinson on the left end and either Jonathan Babineaux or Corey Peters at the other end.

All stats used are either from Pro Football Focus's Premium Stats, ESPN, CFBStats or the NFL. All contract information is courtesy Spotrac. All recruiting rankings come from 247Sports.com.

Scott Carasik is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. He covers the Atlanta Falcons, NFL and NFL Draft. He also runs DraftFalcons.com.